mouth; and even the trained and hardened soldiers started at the hollow and unnatural voice in which their commander gave his orders.
"Habakkuk, go you first, and marshal a file of our picked carbines; you," said he, turning to the others, "follow me with the prisoner."
No woman could stand by and hear such an order given without an attempt at supplication, however vain. Francesca sprang forward, and, throwing herself at Johnstone's feet, implored him to show mercy. He raised her with the iron grasp of a giant, as strong and as pitiless.
"Madam, this is no scene for a female," was his only reply.
Francesca's appearance seemed to move Evelyn. He stood as if struggling with his feelings; at last his resolution was taken, and, stepping forward, he addressed Major Johnstone.
"I believe, sir, even the tyrannical authority now so unjustly exerted would scarcely condemn a gentleman of birth and honour to die without a few minutes' preparation. I ask but some brief words with yonder lady; and they are for her sake, not my own."
"Speak!" said the officer.
"Only for her ear," resumed Evelyn.
"And so plan another escape, through some
